Romania to get help from World Bank to access EU funds

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — The Romanian government has signed an agreement with the World Bank to reform its public administration and increase the country's absorption of European Union funds.

In a statement Monday, the World Bank said the memorandum of understanding which runs until 2023 will provide technical assistance to Romanian public institutions, including education and health facilities, to make them better equipped to absorb EU funds.

The Romanian government said areas to be targeted include agriculture, rural development and the fishing industry.

Last year, Romania accessed only 60 percent of EU funds allocated to the country, due to delays in implementing EU programs and clamping down on corruption.

The World Bank has been helping Romania modernize its public administration since 2010, in areas such as poverty reduction, agriculture, education and climate change.